All things Quote by Dinah Maria Murlock Craik
“It is a curious truth - and yet a truth forced upon us by daily observation - that it is not the women who have suffered most who are the unhappy women. A state of permanent unhappiness - not the morbid, half-cherished melancholy of youth, which generally wears off with wiser years, but that settled, incurable discontent and dissatisfaction with all things and all people, which we see in some women, is, with very rare exceptions, at once the index and the exponent of a thoroughly selfish character.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Woman’s World, 1885
Women who appear most unhappy often hide deep, chronic dissatisfaction, reflecting a selfish character rather than youthful melancholy.
In simple terms: Unhappiness in some women signals deeper selfishness, not just youthful gloom.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address underlying discontent rather than dismiss it as temporary.
Themes
psychology
gender
emotions
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- counseling
- relationship dynamics
- personal growth
Key Concepts
selfishness
contentment
female experience
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives chronic dissatisfaction?
- Can selfishness be mitigated?
A Different Perspective
Not all unhappiness stems from external factors; internal attitudes matter.
